Food for Thought Blog

Kendra’s Story

"We are blessed to have The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and donors like you who provide the money to keep our community programs running."

KendraFood Assistance Recipient

When I was a kid, my family was a recipient of food assistance thanks to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. I want you to know what a difference you made to my life.

My stepfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer when I was still in grade school. My mother became my stepfather’s caregiver during his cancer battle, spending every moment by his side. We were not an affluent family to begin with, so when my mother had to take time away from work to care for my step-dad, necessities like groceries were difficult to pay for.

My mother asked for help from The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and, on a few occasions, we received a parcel full of food to feed my brother and me. We didn’t quite understand what it meant to receive this kind gift but we were ecstatic when we opened those parcels to find our favourite cereals inside!

As an adult looking back at this experience, I am inspired by my mother’s ability to put aside her pride and to ask for help when we needed it. And, I am so thankful for our community’s generosity to donate food to a program that would end up in our pantry at home.

I never did feel the effects of my mother missing work. And, even though it was the most emotional and heartbreaking time in my family’s life, we had food in our bellies and we were healthy and looked after thanks to the programs you make possible.

We are blessed to have The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and donors like you who provide the money to keep our community programs running.

Too many of our neighbours are quietly struggling and need assistance right now. My childhood experience means making donations to The Food Bank is second nature for our family. I hope you will continue to give what you can as well.

Thank you,

Kendra

"Even though it was the most emotional and heartbreaking time in my family’s life, we had food in our bellies and we were healthy and looked after thanks to the programs you make possible."